Comstock said, “It is an honor and a privilege to win my party’s nomination for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District and follow in the footsteps of my mentor, Congressman Frank Wolf. Now is the time for all Republicans to unite and pool our resources together to defend this seat from Nancy Pelosi’s hand-picked candidate.”[29]

The Republican Party of Virginia’s Plan of Organization states that candidates for office can be selected by mass meetings, party canvasses, conventions or primaries. On January 23, 2014, party officials voted for a party canvass, also known as a "firehouse primary," because “it will allow their nominee to get an early start. Had they opted for a state-run primary, it would not have been held until June 10.”[30]

Democratic convention cancelled

On March 17, 2014, the Tenth Congressional District Democratic Committee gave John Foust the Democratic nomination. Because Foust was the only candidate to file for the nomination, the committee cancelled its April 26 convention.[31]
After receiving the nomination Foust said, "I am very grateful for the support I’m receiving across the district. I believe we’re unified because we represent the concerns and priorities of the residents of the 10th district, and I look forward to continuing the campaign through November and having a discussion on the issues with whomever the Republican nominee is."[31]

Issues

Campaign themes

Barbara Comstock

Comstock listed the following priorities on her website:

“

AS YOUR CONGRESSWOMAN, I WILL . . .

Work to repeal and replace ObamaCare which already has caused millions of hardworking Americans to lose their health insurance and have their wellbeing and financial health threatened.

Pass meaningful tax relief for families and small businesses to keep more of your hard earned dollars in your hands and encourage job creation in Northern Virginia.

Protect our national security and protect our defense and national security infrastructure as well as the salaries and retirement of our dedicated military

Protect the U.S. Constitution and stand up for our shared common sense conservative values.[32]

John Foust

Foust listed the following priorities on his website:

“

Jobs & the Economy

John will advocate for policies that expand the middle class by creating jobs and opportunities. He will work to end partisan gridlock that creates uncertainty in the economy and hampers expansion and growth. As Chairman of the County’s economic Advisory Commission, he has led the effort to plan and implement strategies for economic growth. He supports investments in job creators like education, infrastructure, and research and development. In Congress, he will continue his work to keep Northern Virginia’s economy strong and growing.Education
John believes that education is the key to creating opportunity in the innovative global economy of the 21st century. He is a strong advocate for expanding early childhood education, improving K-12 education, making college more affordable for everyone, and expanding training programs that are designed to match available jobs with a qualified and well-trained workforce.Budget
As Vice-chair of the Board of Supervisors’ Budget Committee, John has cut costs and made government more efficient. Even in the most challenging times, he has helped develop balanced budgets that protect essential services and invest in the future, like funding full day kindergarten. John will use this experience and expertise to address our fiscal challenges by identifying priorities and advocating for a comprehensive plan that funds those priorities while reducing the deficit.Transportation
Congestion is a threat to our quality of life and our ability to attract and retain businesses that provide good jobs. At the county level, John has successfully advocated for and delivered many significant road, transit and pedestrian projects. He will work to ensure the federal government does more to improve our economy and the quality of life for Northern Virginians by providing funding and financing assistance for major transportation improvements in the region.Environment
John served for many years on the citizen council that advises Fairfax County government on environmental issues. He will work to ensure that our children and future generations have clean air to breathe, safe water to drink, and a future that is not overshadowed by the threat of climate change. John has worked to protect the natural beauty and unique historical heritage in our region. In Congress, he will continue to advocate for preservation efforts.Federal Workers
The recent government shutdown demonstrated the value of our federal employees and contractors. As a Congressman from Northern Virginia, John believes he will have a special responsibility to ensure that our federal work force and retirees are respected for the important work they do and that they are treated fairly.Military and Veterans
John will work to ensure that the promises we made to our men and women in uniform are honored. He understands that Congress faces tough choices, but he also understands that commitments made to our military and veterans should not be broken.Immigration
John believes in immigration reform that secures our borders and addresses in a practical and compassionate way the issue of millions of undocumented immigrants currently living in the United States. He believes our immigration laws should reflect our nation’s values as an open and inclusive society and allow us to take advantage of everyone’s talents and contributions.Women's Health
John is pro-choice. He believes a woman should have the right to make her own health care decisions in consultation with her doctor. He will fight against efforts to dictate personal medical choices and attempts to place limitations on a woman’s health care options.Equality
John will work to ensure that our laws reflect a society that rejects discrimination in any form. He will work to ensure that women receive equal pay for equal work and that all workers are protected against discrimination. He supports marriage equality and is pleased with the progress our country is making on that cause.Constituent Services
John believes that a fundamental responsibility of any elected official is to provide outstanding services to his or her constituents. As a county Supervisor, he and his staff are recognized for the excellent services they provide. In Congress, he will continue the tradition of excellent constituent services that the residents of the 10th Congressional District expect and deserve.Healthcare
Over the past twenty years, insurance companies hiked health insurance premiums and gouged consumers. The cost of health care outpaced the ability of many to afford it. Forty million Americans went uninsured. Insurance companies denied care to those with preexisting conditions, charged women more than men, and refused coverage to those who needed it most when lifetime limits were reached. This was not sustainable and something had to be done. Though less than perfect, John believes the Affordable Care Act begins to address these and other challenges with our health care system. We cannot go back to the days when insurance companies could arbitrarily increase rates and deny coverage.[32]

Race background

Wolf retirement

On December 13, 2013, Wolf announced his retirement. He delivered the following remarks: “I have decided not to seek re-election to the U.S. Congress in 2014. It has been an honor to serve the people of northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. I thank my constituents for giving me the privilege of representing them in Congress for 34 years. As a follower of Jesus, I am called to work for justice and reconciliation, and to be an advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. I plan to focus my future work on human rights and religious freedom – both domestic and international – as well as matters of the culture and the American family. My passion for these issues has been influenced by the examples of President Ronald Reagan, former Congressmen Jack Kemp and Tony Hall, Chuck Colson, and the life of 18th century Member of Parliament William Wilberforce. I want to thank the many excellent former and current members of my staff who have helped me serve the people of the 10th District. I am also grateful to my wife, Carolyn, and my family, who have faithfully stood by me all these many years.”[33]

Open house seat

Hailing from the nation’s 10th wealthiest congressional district, Comstock and Foust were well-funded candidates.[34][35] According to Roll Call, this was expected to be one of the most expensive midterm races.[36] The Rothenberg Political Report rated this race as "Lean Republican," although this race could have gone to either party.[37]Mitt Romney won the 10th district in 2012, while Terry McAuliffe (D) won the district in the 2013 governor’s race, making this a close to even district. According to The Washington Post, "Winning the 10th won’t be easy because the district isn’t what it used to be, because the people aren’t quite sure what they want, and because what they do know and agree on is that the politicians don’t get it.”[38]

"Real job"

In an attempt to tie Comstock to lobbyists and the rich, Foust said, "In her mind, that (creating jobs) means giving tax benefits to special interests and the super wealthy. I don’t think she’s even had a real job.”[39]

Comstock's campaign manager, Susan Falconer, said, “This desperate attack shows how out of touch he is with who it is that lives and works in the 10th District and the challenges that working women, working moms and moms at home face every day by men who demean their many and demanding roles."[39]

Foust said he was making the point that Comstock would not be a good job creator. He said, "The statement was in that context.”[39]

Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org

Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org

Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org

Media

Barbara Comstock

Comstock for Congress, "Trusted Aide Web Ad."

Comstock for Congress, "Trusted Aide TV Ad."

Comstock for Congress, "Right Choice."

Comstock for Congress, "Leadership, Action, Results."

Comstock for Congress, "Taxman."

John Foust

John Foust for Congress, "Waste."

John Foust for Congress, "Head Shake."

John Foust for Congress, "Hid."

Howie Lind

Howie Lind's March 2014 ad, "Take a Stand."

Howie Lind (R) released, "Take a Stand," on March 6, 2014.[41] The narrator in the ad said, “Howie Lind for Congress...Because it’s not about whose turn it is, but who’s going to stand up for us.”[41]

Endorsements

Barbara Comstock

"Barbara Comstock is a solid and reliable conservative. I've known her for many years. She'd make a great member of Congress. I am happy to join other conservatives and proudly endorse her candidacy," said Hannity.[42]

Bob Marshall

"Bob Marshall is a rare triple threat to liberals and Democrats in that he is a powerhouse in all three areas that President Reagan said 'a true conservative' must lead: social issues, economic policy, and defense. Bob's knowledge and expertise in these areas, the Reagan triad, is almost unmatched… equaled by a few good men and women in politics, but NEVER surpassed," said Dornan.[47]

Campaign contributions

Barbara Comstock

Candidates for Congress were required to file up to seven main reports with the Federal Election Commission during the 2014 elections season. Below are Comstock's reports.[48]